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Stunted growth Candida albicans in human amniotic fluid in vitro
Abstract:
The interaction of human AF with the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans was studied in vitro in 262 samples from early midtrimester and term gestations. Among 111 fluids collected between 15 and 18 weeks, 84% (93) manifested growth-inhibiting activity on 10(2) fungal cells/ml at 24 hr. This phenomenon persisted to a similar extent in late pregnancy. It could not be explained by a lack of nutrients in AF, since the addition of TSB failed to influence the proportion of active fluids. Depletion of the yeast cell glycogen reserve potentiated the degree of fungistasis achieved in several samples (p = 0.0009). Supplementation with either SDB or a physiologic concentration of carbon dioxide effected a complete reversal (p less than 0.0001). Preliminary data as well as overall results suggest that the absolute transferrin content and its pH-dependent saturation with iron are key factors invovled in the growth-inhibiting activity. Germ tube formation was unrestricted in 115 second trimester fluids studied. Human AF probably helps to prevent congenital candidiasis, and this protective function must be better defined.
Insights
Human amniotic fluid (AF) inhibits Candida albicans growth, likely due to transferrin and iron levels. This antifungal activity may prevent congenital candidiasis.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Mycology
- Immunology
Background:
- Pathogenic yeast Candida albicans poses a risk during pregnancy.
- Congenital candidiasis can result from Candida albicans infections.
- Human amniotic fluid (AF) is a complex biological medium with potential antimicrobial properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro interaction between human AF and Candida albicans.
- To determine the fungistatic properties of AF during different stages of gestation.
- To identify key factors within AF responsible for inhibiting yeast growth.
Main Methods:
- In vitro study of 262 human AF samples from various gestational periods.
- Assessing Candida albicans growth inhibition at specific fungal cell concentrations and time points.
- Evaluating the impact of nutrient supplementation (TSB), glycogen depletion, and supplementation (SDB, CO2) on fungistasis.
Main Results:
- 84% of early-midtrimester AF samples exhibited growth-inhibiting activity against Candida albicans.
- This fungistatic effect persisted throughout gestation.
- Transferrin content and iron saturation were identified as critical factors, with CO2 and SDB reversing the inhibition.
Conclusions:
- Human AF possesses significant antifungal activity against Candida albicans.
- Transferrin's iron-binding capacity is a key mechanism in AF's fungistatic action.
- AF likely plays a protective role against congenital candidiasis, warranting further investigation.